Router bits for Leigh Dovetail Jigs

[mlfaber]

I am thinking about ordering a Leigh Superjig and am partial to Whiteside Router Bits, has anyone used these?  Are their bits good, albeit, made in Taiwan?  Or, recommendations for other ones?

Marc

 

[butzla]

Great choice of bits for yor Leigh jig.  In my best Borat voice, "Whiteside are very nice!"  They are always ranked at the top of any FWW review.  Get the 8 mm shank if you have a router that will accept them(Festool), much more stable than 1/4".  I found a great source for my Whitesides:  Woodworkersworld.net  Great prices and service and free shipping over $25.
Go for the Leigh jig as well.  No regrets here.

 

[mlfaber]

Thank you for that!  I found this set, it is a 7 pc with 1/2" shanks.  Seems pretty nice.

http://www.carbideprocessors.com/7-pc-leigh-dovetail-set-1-2-shank-whiteside-d108/

 

[butzla]

Looks good but I'm not so sure about the 1/2" shanks.  You'll have to use a wider guide bushing which translates into wider pins.

 

[mlfaber]

Good Point I did not think about that.  I do have a Festool of 1400 router with an 8mm collet.  You think those would be better?

 

[mlfaber]

It appears there is a mixture of 8mm and 1/2" shanks in that set, plus the jig comes with three bits. What about 12" vs. 18" jig?  Most of my work will fall into the twelve inch range but will I kick myself later for not having the extra width?

 

[butzla]

Most def....  For through dovetails,  you really only need two bits for 1/2" to 3/4" stock:

D8-500x8(mm) dovetail
and
1020x8  5/16 straight

PS Go for the 24" jig.  You might want to make some dovetailed bureaus down the road.

 

[spikfot]

The Leigh bits are made in Taiwan, but use Sandvik Carbide. I've many of them, and never had a complaint.
The last time I called Whiteside, I couldn't get a straight answer about where their carbide stock comes from.